Empowering African Youth : À Conversation with Madam Louise W. McMillian Siaway

As the highly anticipated « Pan-Africanist Youths Colloquium, Arts, and Culture Festival » approaches, we had the privilege of sitting down with Madam Louise W. McMillian Siaway, the founder of SEHWAH Inc. and a key organizer of the event, taking place in Monrovia, Liberia, from October 27-31, 2025. This festival promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of African unity, culture, and youth empowerment, bringing together young leaders, artists, and intellectuals from across the African diaspora. Madam Siaway’s vision for the festival is rooted in her commitment to Pan-Africanism and her extensive experience in promoting cultural heritage and sustainable development in Liberia.¹

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your connection to the « Pan-Africanist Youths Colloquium, Arts, and Culture Festival »?

I am Madam Louise W. McMillian Siaway, a proud advocate for Pan-Africanism, cultural
preservation, and youth empowerment. As a representative of the Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC) and a lifelong champion for African unity and development, my work has centered on bridging the gap between Africa and its Diaspora through education, économie initiatives, and cultural diplomacy. My journey in leadership has been driven by a passion for strengthening the voices of African descendants worldwide and ensuring that Africa’s future is
built on a foundation of self-reliance, economic empowerment, and cultural appréciation. The Pan-Africanist Youths Colloquium, Arts, and Culture Festival, hosted by the Liberia Pan-African Library and Cultural Center (LPALCC), represents everything I have dedicated my life to—nurturing the next generation of African leaders, celebrating the richness of our
heritage, and fostering a renewed sense of unity among all people of African descent. This is not just another event; it is a transformative gathering where youth, scholars, and cultural practitioners will converge to ignite intellectual discourse, engage in artistic expression, and explore sustainable pathways for Africa’s advancement. It is a privilege to be at the helm of such an impactful initiative.
This festival is a historic milestone, especially with Liberia, a country deeply rooted in Pan-African history, serving as the host. Liberia has long been a symbol of African self-determination, and now it will be the stage for a renewed commitment to a shared future. By hosting this festival, we reaffirm the importance of intergenerational dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of African excellence.

What are the main objectives of the « Pan-Africanist Youths Colloquium, Arts, and Culture Festival » to be held in Liberia in October 2025?

The festival is founded on five core objectives, each designed to foster deeper engagement, collaboration, and empowerment among African youth and cultural practitioners. The first objective is to strengthen Pan-African unity by creating a platform where young leaders, thinkers, and creatives can engage in meaningful discourse on self-determination, intra-African collaboration, and economic independence. Africa’s future must be built by Africans, and this conference will serve as a hub for visionary discussions that translate into tangible actions.

Another key goal is to empower young people by providing them with knowledge, mentorship, and resources that enable them to take ownership of their communities and contribute to
Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Many young Africans have the potential to be at thé forefront of innovation, governance, and economic development, but they often lack access to the necessary platforms to grow. This festival will serve as a launchpad for youth-drive initiatives that will shape the next chapter of Africa’s progresse. Beyond leadership and economic discourse, the festival is dedicated to the celebration of
African culture and arts. It is essential that we recognize and elevate our rich héritage our music, dance, literature, visual arts, and indigenous knowledge systèmes as valuable assets. We are not just hosting an academic colloquium; we are curating a living, breathing cultural experience that highlights Africa’s past, present, and future through the lens of creativity.

How are the organizers preparing for the conference to ensure an enriching experience for participants?

Planning for a conference of this magnitude requires a multi-layered strategy that censures every detail is meticulously executed. We are not just organizing a standard event; we are curating an immersive experience that engages, educates, and inspires every participant. To
achieve this, we have assembled a dedicated team of planners, strategists, and cultural experts who are working diligently to create an unforgettable experience.
First and foremost, we are securing world-class facilities to accommodate our diverse
audience. The RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas has been selected as our preferred hospitalité partner, ensuring that our international guests and high-profile speakers have a comfortable and luxurious space for engagement. Our venue selection process also includes identifying open-air
spaces, theaters, and cultural centers that will serve as key locations for exhibitions,
workshops, and performances. Moreover, we are integrating technology and accessibility measures to make the festival
inclusive and far-reaching. In addition to physical attendance, we will be incorporation live-streaming capabilities to ensure that Africans across the continent and in the Diaspora can participate virtually. By leveraging digital engagement, we are ensuring that this conference extends beyond Liberia and into every corner of the Pan-African world.

What are the expected outcomes of the conference, and how will thé organizers measure its impact on African youth and the African community as a whole?

The impact of this festival will be far-reaching and multi-dimensional. Beyond the immédiate excitement and cultural immersion, our goal is to produce long-term, sustainable outcomes that positively influence the African continent and the global Diaspora. One of the primary
expected outcomes is the formation of actionable policy recommendations that can be presented to governing bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and national
governments. These recommendations will reflect the voices of African youth and cultural leaders, ensuring that their perspectives influence decision-making at the highest levels. Another critical outcome is the amplification of youth leadership. We want to see more young Africans stepping into roles of influence whether in politics, business, or cultural industries. Through the festival’s mentorship programs, leadership training, and networking opportunities,
participants will leave with not just inspiration, but concrete opportunities for career and personal growth. To measure impact, we will establish a post-event tracking system that monitors youth participation in leadership rôles, entrepreneurial success stories, and policy advocacy inspiré by the conference. Our team will conduct follow-up surveys, mentorship check-ins, and collaborative reports to ensure that the knowledge and experiences gained at the festival
translate into real-world progress.

How does the conference plan to empower African youth to take leadership roles in their communities and countries?

Empowering African youth requires more than just words it demands actionable
opportunities, strategic mentorship, and economic investment. This festival is not merely a gathering of ideas; it is a springboard for leadership development, equipping young Africans with the tools they need to effect change in their respective fields. One of the primary ways we are fostering leadership is through hands-on mentorship. Youth participants will have direct access to established Pan-African leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will provide guidance, insight, and networking opportunities. Thèse interactions will ensure that young attendees leave with stronger professional connections and clearer roadmaps for their future endeavors. Additionally, we are facilitating funding and investment opportunities tailored to youth-led
initiatives. Many young Africans have groundbreaking ideas but lack the financial backing to bring them to life. Through partnerships with venture capital firms, NGOs, and gouvernement funding bodies, we are creating an ecosystem that supports youth-led innovation in governance, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Your last word

This festival is more than an event; it is a cultural renaissance and a call to action. It is an opportunity to reshape the African narrative, bringing together the best minds, artists, and visionaries to forge a future where Africa stands at the forefront of global influence. We are building a movement that will transcend generations—one that instills pride, fosters economic
growth, and cements Africa’s place as a leader in arts, culture, and intellectual thought. I encourage every young African, every cultural practitioner, and every Pan-Africanist to join us in Liberia this October. This is your moment to be part of history, to connect with like-minded individuals, and to help shape the future of Africa and the Diaspora. As I always say: Forward Ever, Backward Nevers.